Lid storage and washing container

ABSTRACT

A device for containing plastic container lids for storage and for use in an automatic dishwasher. The device includes an open lattice structure comprising top, bottom, back and side walls and a removable door. The lattice members preferably have convex outer surfaces and substantially planar interior surfaces and are configured to maximize water penetration into the device during a wash cycle. Longitudinally-oriented lattice members include projections and grooves that assist in retaining lids in position and maintaining separation between adjacent lids. Concentric circular members are provided on the sides of the device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/964,148, filed Oct. 13, 2004, which is incorporated byreference as if fully set forth.

The present invention relates to a container for storing and washinglids for plastic and other lidded containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Plastic storage containers, such as the well-known Tupperware® brandcontainers, are widely used. These containers typically have a plasticlid which is sealable over a lip on a plastic bowl. Similar lids areused on non-plastic containers as well since they can readily be formedto sealingly engage the upper lips of containers. As a result, manykitchens contain a plethora of plastic and other lids of various sizesand shapes. These lids are awkward to store since they are notconveniently stored with their matching containers, which are commonlystored in a nested configuration without their lids. Such lids are alsodifficult to wash using an automatic dishwasher because they tend tomove during a washing cycle, which results in uneven cleaning and damageto the lids if they come in contact with the dishwasher heating element.

There have been numerous attempts to develop improved systems forstoring lids. Some such attempts are shown in U.S. Patents Des. 252,440issued Jul. 24, 1979 to William P. Hamilton; Des. 401,811 issued Dec. 1,1998 to Helen Hait; Des. 411,783 issued Jul. 6, 1999 to Frances Kualaau;U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,000,326 issued Mar. 19, 1991 to Richard C. Vaughn;5,207,334 issued May 4, 1993 to John E. Lear; 5,344,029 issued Sep. 6,1994 to Ann T. Oghia, et al; and, 5,660,284 issued Aug. 26, 1997 toRichard C. Vaughn. While a variety of techniques for storing lids havebeen disclosed in these patents, better means are needed for storing andcleaning lids.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one respect, the invention comprises a body having a top, bottom,left side and right side, a closed end and an open end. The top, bottom,left side, right side and the closed end each preferably comprise anopen structure. The bottom includes a plurality of bottom rails. Each ofthe bottom rails is preferably parallel to the left and right side wallsand has an inward-facing surface and an outward-facing surface. Alsoincluded are a plurality of projections located along the inward-facingsurface of each of the bottom rails. Each of the projections ispreferably no more than 0.5 inches in height.

In another respect, the invention comprises a body having an openstructure, including a top, a bottom, a left side a right side, a closedend and an open end. Also provided are plurality of rails extendingalong the top and bottom walls from the open end toward the closed end.Each of the plurality of rails preferably has a substantially flatinward-facing surface and a convex outward-facing surface. A pluralityof grooves are also preferably included. Each of the plurality ofgrooves are located on the inward-facing surface of one of the pluralityof rails and extending from the open end toward the closed end.

In yet another respect, the invention comprises a body having an openstructure, including a top, a bottom, a left side, a right side, aclosed end and an open end. The left side and the right side eachpreferably include a circular member. Also included are a plurality ofrails extending along the top and bottom walls from the open end towardthe closed end. Each of the bottom rails preferably includes a pluralityof projections located along its inward-facing surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view taken from the left side of FIG. 1 withthe door removed to show details of the door hinge;

FIG. 3 is a view taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged fragmentary view illustrating a particularcross-sectional shape of the track;

FIG. 5B is a view identical to FIG. 5A illustrating an alternateconfiguration for the track;

FIG. 5C is a view identical to FIG. 5A illustrating yet anotherconfiguration of the track;

FIG. 5D is a view identical to FIG. 5A illustrating a still furtherconfiguration for the track;

FIG. 6A is an enlarged fragmentary view of a device for maintaining lidsin position in the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6B is an enlarged fragmentary view of another device formaintaining lids in position;

FIG. 6C is an enlarged fragmentary view of yet another device formaintaining lids in position;

FIG. 6D is an enlarged fragmentary view of still another device formaintaining lids in position;

FIG. 6E is an enlarged fragmentary view of still yet another device formaintaining lids in position;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the right side of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a view taken along lines 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of an alternate pattern for the sides of thedevice of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of a device and door according tothe present invention;

FIG. 11A is a top plan view of a device for securing the device of FIG.1 to an internal component of a dishwasher;

FIG. 11B is a top plan view of an alternate device for securing thedevice of FIG. 1 to an internal component of a dishwasher;

FIG. 11C is a top plan view of another device for securing the device ofFIG. 1 to an internal component of a dishwasher; and

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of an alternate fastener for use in securingthe device of FIG. 1 to an internal component of a dishwasher.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The ensuing detailed description provides preferred exemplaryembodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability,or configuration of the invention. Rather, the ensuing detaileddescription of the preferred exemplary embodiments will provide thoseskilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing thepreferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. It being understoodthat various changes may be made in the function and arrangement ofelements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention,as set forth in the appended claims.

To aid in describing the invention, directional terms are used in thespecification and claims to describe portions of the present invention(e.g., top, bottom, upper, lower, left, right, etc.). These directionaldefinitions are merely intended to assist in describing the inventionand are not intended to limit the invention in any way. In addition,reference numerals that are introduced in the specification inassociation with a drawing figure may be repeated in one or moresubsequent figures without additional description in the specificationin order to provide context for other features.

The purpose of the container of the present invention is two-fold.First, it is intended to provide a convenient and organized means forstoring plastic container lids in an upright or lying down position in acupboard or drawer. It can also be used to store a variety of otheritems which will be at the discretion of the consumer. Second, it isdesigned to retain the lids and facilitate thorough cleaning in anautomatic dishwasher.

It is very difficult to thoroughly clean modern plastic container lidsby hand. Thorough, sterile washing of such lids is important because thelids often come in contact with food elements, such as oils and sauces,which can leave a tough residue on the lids. Such food elements can alsostain the lids. It is very difficult to hand wash such lids using waterthat is sufficiently hot to provide some degree of sterilization.

In addition, plastic container product makers, such as Tupperware, Inc.,are now making lids with tighter (i.e., narrower) seal grooves, whichprovide more air-tight seals, and therefore, prolongs freshness for foodstored in the container. This makes thoroughly washing such lids by handeven more challenging. When hand washed, such lids are also typicallyleft to air dry. This invariably results in a small amount of waterremaining at the bottom of each lid in the seal grooving. When the lidis picked up to be put away, the remainder of that water splatters out.If lids are left out overnight to dry, this area can harbor germs,especially if residue is present.

Modern automatic dishwashers provide a superior environment forthoroughly cleaning such lids. The dishwasher is able to provide a washcycle using water at a temperature of at least twice that of typical tapwater. Improvements in water jet dispersion have also improved thecleaning thoroughness of automatic dishwashers. A heated dryingenvironment thoroughly dries the lids, while killing any germs that mayhave been left behind after washing.

Automatic dishwashing of such lids presents several challenges. Forexample, plastic container lids are often “freely” placed in thedishwasher and usually anchored by other items. During the wash cycles,such lids often become dislodged and end up coming in contact with thedishwasher heating element, which usually melts the lids and rendersthem unusable. Even if a lid does not come in contact with the heatingelement, it is difficult to retain lids in a position that will insurethorough cleaning. Therefore, in order to provide consistent andthorough wash results in an automatic dishwasher, it is critical to (1)prevent the lids from moving around during the wash cycle and (2) makesure that wash water is able to penetrate all areas of each lid. Thepresent invention is specifically designed to achieve these aims.

The container of the present invention is configured to retain multiplelids in a stable and upright position, while maintaining spacing betweeneach adjacent lid. In addition, the container is designed to maximizethe amount of wash water that is directed onto the lids retained thereinand, in particular, the grooves used to fasten lids to matchingcontainers.

In the description of the figures, the same numbers will be usedthroughout to refer to the same or similar components. While thecontainer may be used to store lids and other relatively small householdarticles of a size and shape suitable for containment in a dishwasherand the like, such articles and lids are referred to herein as lids forconvenience. The term “small” as used herein refers to articles whichare of a size which is readily placed in the container.

Referring to FIG. 1, a lid storage and washing device 10 according tothe invention comprises a top 12, a bottom 14, an open end 16, a closedend 18, a right side 20 and a left side 22, all of which being formed ofan “open structure.” For the purposes of the specification and claims,the term “open structure” means a structure having openings that aresufficiently large to allow water to pass through.

The open end 16 of device 10 is connected to top 12 and sides 20, 22 andthe closed end 18 is connected to top 12, bottom 14 and sides 20, 22 toform a generally box shaped structure or device. The open end 16includes a door 24 supported by hinges 26, 28, 30 to enable a user toopen and close one end of the device 10. Latches 32, 34 and 36, 38 areused to secure the door in a closed position.

As will be described herein, the door 24 is preferably removable. Withthe door 24 removed, the device 10 can be stood on the closed end 18,which allows the device 10 to accommodate larger lids.

Desirably the top 12, bottom 14, sides 20, 22 and end 18 of the device10 are formed of a generally open structure, which readily permits theflow of air through device 10 for contact with the lids, as for instancein storage, or liquids and air in a dishwasher or the like. The openstructure may be formed of rails and cross slats, ornamental figures orthe like. The primary function of the open structure is to support andprotect the lids inside the device 10 while permitting the ready flow ofair and liquids into and out of the device 10. In addition, as can beseen in FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 8, the outward-facing surfaces of most of theportions of the device 10 are rounded and convex, and the inward-facingsurfaces of most of the portions of the device 10 are substantiallyflat. This configuration minimizes the reflection of water that isdirected toward the device 10 from dishwasher cleaning jets (not shown)and encourages the reflection of water moving inside the device 10 assuch water contacts inwardly-facing surfaces of the device 10.

Referring to FIG. 2, the closed end 18 of the device 10 has an openstructure comprising main or longitudinal rails 40 and cross-slats 42.The rails 40 and cross-slats 42 may be of any convenient width andpresented in any desired number so long as the resulting structure issufficient to maintain the lids in a selected position and to permitwater, detergent and air to contact the lids (at various stages of thewash cycle).

Each of the rails 40 includes projections (e.g., 44 of FIG. 1), whichare located on the inward-facing surfaces of the rails 40 and are usedto contain the lids in a desired position or to maintain the lids in anupright or semi-upright position and to slightly separate the lids. Theheight of each of the projections 44 is no greater than 0.5 inches andis preferably a small fraction of the overall height of the device 10(i.e., the distance from the top 12 to the bottom 14). In thisembodiment, the preferred height of the projections is in the range of0.125 to 0.25 inches and the overall height of the device 10 ispreferably no less than 8 inches, in order to accommodate a wide rangeof common lid sizes.

The projections may be of a variety of configurations, such as a tabchannel shaped projection 44 shown in FIG. 6A, arc shaped projection 46as shown in FIG. 6B, or a solid semi-circular projection 48 as shown inFIG. 6C, a square shaped solid tab 50 shown in FIG. 6D, or a solidrectangular shaped tab 52 shown in FIG. 6E. It should be understood thatthe projections shown in FIGS. 6A-6E can be positioned on rails 40, 41located on the top 12, bottom 14, or closed end 18 of the device 10.

Top 12 and bottom 14 are formed with an open structure similar to theclosed end 18. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5E, the rails 40, 41 of top 12,bottom 14 and end 18 have a cross-section including a groove 51 formedtherein so that a lid (e.g., 50 of FIG. 5A) may be supported in anupright position. Each of the rails 40 on closed end 18 is preferablyaligned with a corresponding rail 41 on both the top 12 and bottom 14.

FIG. 5A shows a groove 51 having a generally semi-circularcross-section. FIG. 5B shows a groove 53 having a “V” shapedcross-section. FIGS. 5C, 5D and 5E show other alternative crosssectional shapes for grooves 55, 57, 59, respectively. The commonfeature of all of the grooves 51, 53, 55, 57, 59 is that each includes alow point that is centered on the rail 40, 41 on which it is located.This promotes proper positioning of the lid 50 when it is inserted andremoved from the device 10, as well as during a wash cycle. In order tofacilitate easy insertion and removal of lids, the rails 40 and thegrooves 51 are preferably parallel to the sides 20, 22 of the device 10.

Referring to FIG. 3, the structure of side 20 comprises three concentriccircular members 52, 54, 56, which are supported by vertical supports58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 69, 71. Preferably, each of the circular members52, 54, 56 and vertical supports 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 69, 71 has anairfoil-shaped cross-sectional shape. Each of the circular members 52,54, 56 and vertical supports 58, 60, 62, 64 is preferably angled so thatits inwardly-facing edge has a smaller circumference than its outwardfacing edge. This orientation is most visible in FIGS. 4 and 8. Forexample, the inward-facing edge 73 (see also FIG. 8) of circular member52 is closer to the center of the side 20 (i.e., has a smallcircumference) than the outward-facing edge 75 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) ofcircular member 52. As with most of the structural members of the device10, the circular members 52, 54, 56 and vertical supports 58, 60, 62,64, 66, 68, 69, 71 are configured to be open to the flow of fluids andair into and through the device 10. In this embodiment, side 22 is amirror image of side 20, except for parts that engage the door 24.

Referring to FIG. 4, bottom 14 has longitudinal rails 41 and cross slats43, which are similar in structure to the longitudinal rails 40 andcross slats 42 located on the closed end 18. The relative size andconfiguration of the rails 41, projections 44 and grooves 51 are shownin FIGS. 5A though 5E. Preferably, the projections 44 are locatedbetween the groove 51 and either the left edge 49 or right edge 47 ofthe rail 41 in an alternating pattern. The alternating pattern of theprojections is visible in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4.

While open end 16 of the device 10 as shown in FIG. 1 is fitted with adoor 24, it should be understood that either end of device 10 (or bothends) could be fitted with doors so long as the ends 16, 18 can bemaintained in a closed position during use of the device 10 in adishwasher or the like.

The door 24 may be positioned with hinges 26, 28, 30 or other devicesknown to the art to permit a user to open and close the device 10.Positioning of the door 24 at the open end 16 of device 10 is preferred.The door may be removeably hinged on device 10 and may be held in aclosed position by a latch or latches 32, 34 and 36, 38 (FIG. 9), byclips, by frictional engagement of the door fitted into a shadow boxlike opening in the body of device 10 and the like. FIG. 10 shows door24 in the closed and latched position.

The device 10 may be fabricated with an open structure of variousshapes, such as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 7. In FIG. 9, an alternateconfiguration for the side members 20, 22 is shown, comprising rings 70,72, 74, arcs 76, 78, 80, 82 with vertical support slats 84, 86, 88horizontal support slats 90, 92, 94 and diagonal support slats 96, 98,100, 102. Obviously other variations could be used. The primaryrequisite of the open structure is that it be open to the flow of airand fluids and that it provide sufficient strength to protect the lidsand to prevent the escape of the lids from the inside of the device 10during storage, use in a dishwasher, or the like.

The cross-section shapes of the structural members of the device 10 canhave a tapered cross-sectional shape designed to permit the ready flowof fluids and air into the device 10. While other configurations couldbe used, the tapered or air foil configuration is a desirablecross-sectional configuration for slats and other structural components.

FIG. 11A shows a fastener 110 having the general shape of a coat hanger,for use in positioning and securing the device 10 to a dishwasher rackby placing the hook portion 112 on one of the slats of device 10 and theloop portion 114 to a portion of the dishwasher rack (not shown). Aplurality of fasteners is typically positioned on the device 10 for usein maintaining the device 10 in position in a dishwasher.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11B, a resilient clip 116 having aspring-like portion 118 which is adapted to resiliently engage a supportslat of device 10 and eye portion 120 adapted to slip over a coated wireor the like in a dishwasher rack. FIG. 11C illustrates a fastener 122similar in construction to the device of FIG. 11B which may be used tosecure the device 10 in a desired position in a dishwasher.

As shown in FIG. 12, a clip or fastening device 126 with open jaw likeends 128, 130 clip on a vertical member 132 of the device 10 and end 128is adjusted to clip onto adjacent vertical dish supporters of adishwasher rack.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 10, the hinges 26, 28, 30 used for door 24can be of any suitable type. A simple plastic hinge comprising a sheetof flexible plastic could be used. Alternatively as shown in thedrawings, the hinges have a section mounted on the door having avertical projecting pin for mating with an aperture or hole in aprojecting arm on the door, the arm fitting over the pin.

Latches 32, 34 and 36, 38 used with door 24 of device 10 can be ahasp-like latch, a hook or any other suitable latch of the many typesknown to those skilled in the art for such purposes. As shown in FIG. 1and FIG. 10, a T-shaped pin on the door is fitted to mate with acomplementary shaped barrel lock on open end 16 of device 10.

The device 10 can be constructed in any size desired. Size will bedetermined by the size of the lids to be stored. Lids, such as plasticlids for plastic containers, plastic lids for other types of containersor non-plastic lids and other relatively small articles can be containedwithin device 10. It is anticipated that commercial devices will beproduced to accommodate a variety of lid sizes and number of lidsstored.

The device 10 may be fabricated of materials, e.g., plastic or rubber,having sufficient strength and stability for use in environments seeingtemperatures up to about 250° F. Plastic or rubber coated metal can alsobe used to fabricate the lid container.

The unique design features of the device of the invention are unlikeanything currently in the market with overall dimensions 10½ to 10¾inches in height; 5 inches wide and 12 inches in length. The overalldesign is open, yet somewhat flexible in its makeup. The angles andcurves of the structure work to promote maximum wash and dry exposure.Its inner components provide stability to lids no matter where it isplaced in the dishwasher, yet does not hinder storage capabilities andthe door is removable. A large device can store between ten and 12 largelids; a medium device, eight to ten lids; and the small device, five toseven lids.

While the present invention has been described by reference to certainof its preferred embodiments, it is pointed out that the embodimentsdescribed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that manyvariations and modifications are possible within the scope of thepresent invention. Many such variations and modifications may beconsidered obvious and desirable by those skilled in the art based upona review of the foregoing description of preferred embodiments.

1. An apparatus comprising: a body comprising a top, bottom, left sideand right side, a closed end and an open end, the top, bottom, left sideand right side and the closed end each comprising an open structure, thebottom including a plurality of bottom rails, each of the plurality ofbottom rails being parallel to the left and right sides and having aninward-facing surface and an outward-facing surface; and a plurality ofprojections located along the inward-facing surface of each of theplurality of bottom rails, each of the plurality of projections being nomore than 0.5 inches in height.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a door located at the open end and having an open structure.3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the door and the body areconfigured to enable removal of the door from the body.
 4. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the top includes a plurality of top rails, each ofthe plurality of top rails being parallel to the left and right sidesand having an inward-facing surface and an outward-facing surface,wherein the plurality of projections are also located along theinward-facing surface of each of the top rails.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein the closed end includes a plurality of end rails, eachof the plurality of end rails being parallel to the left and right sidesand having an inward-facing surface and an outward-facing surface,wherein the plurality of projections are also located along theinward-facing surface of each of the plurality of end rails.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of bottom rails isaligned with one of the plurality of top rails and one of the pluralityof end rails.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a groovelocated on the inward-facing surface of each of the plurality of bottomrails, each of the plurality of top rails and each of the plurality ofend rails.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inward-facingsurface of each of the plurality of bottom rails includes a groove. 9.The apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of bottom railsincludes a left edge and a right edge and each of the plurality ofprojections is located between the groove and either the left or rightedge of that one of the plurality of bottom rails.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the plurality of projections are arranged in analternating pattern on each of the plurality of bottom rails.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the inward-facing surface of each of theplurality of bottom rails is substantially flat and the outward-facingsurface of each of the plurality of bottom rails is convex.
 12. Anapparatus comprising: a body having an open structure, including a top,a bottom, a left side, a right side, a closed end and an open end; aplurality of rails extending along the top and bottom from the open endtoward the closed end, each of the plurality of rails having asubstantially flat inward-facing surface and a convex outward-facingsurface; a plurality of grooves, each of the plurality of grooves beinglocated on the inward-facing surface of one of the plurality of railsand extending from the open end toward the closed end.
 13. The apparatusof claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of rails is parallel to theleft and right sides.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein each of theplurality of grooves is parallel to the left and right sides.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of projectionslocated along each of the plurality of rails.
 16. The apparatus of claim15, wherein each of the plurality of rails includes a left and rightedge and each of the plurality of projections is positioned between oneof the plurality of grooves and either the left or right edge.
 17. Anapparatus comprising: a body having an open structure, including a top,a bottom, a left side, a right side, a closed end and an open end, theleft side and the right side each including a circular member; aplurality of rails extending along the top and bottom from the open endtoward the closed end; and a plurality of projections located along theinward-facing surface of each of the plurality of bottom rails.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 17, wherein the left and right side each include aplurality of circular members.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, whereinthe plurality of circular members located on the left side areconcentric and the plurality of circular members located on the rightside are concentric.
 20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein each of theplurality of circular members has an outward-facing edge and aninward-facing edge, the outward-facing edge of one of each of theplurality of circular members having a larger circumference than theinward-facing edge of that one of the plurality of circular members.